Fire sign goalie Sanchez through 2019

The Chicago Fire have re-signed goalie Richard Sanchez through 2019, with a club option for 2020, the club announced in a statement on Monday.

Sanchez, 23, was acquired by the Fire in August through Major League Soccer’s Allocation Process and appeared in two games this season.

Apparently that was enough for the club to buy in long-term.

“We’re pleased to have Richard return to the Fire. He got valuable minutes under his belt last season and we’re looking forward to his continued growth as a goalkeeper,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez said in a statement.

He came to the Fire having most recently played for Liga MX side Tigres UANL, but he’s also spent time with Dallas FC in the MLS and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL.

He helped Mexico win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2011 and played in all four of Mexico’s matches in the U-20 World Cup in 2013.

“I’m excited to return to Chicago and I’m looking forward to getting back with the team to start preseason next week,” Sanchez said in the team’s statement.